PTSD Service Dog Tasks FAQs

You will need to be comfortable using a computer, the web and email. You will need access to an internet connection. Students receive an email prompt to set up a password and sign into the course. It literally takes less than a minute.

No, the PTSD Service Dog Tasks course does not lead to a certificate or certification. This course is for professional dog trainers interested in learning information on training specific service dog tasks. Dog trainers interested in the Cooperative Paws Service Dog Coach™ certification need to apply to the Cooperative Paws SDC® program.

The course covers the step by step process for training 4 service dog tasks frequently needed for service dogs helping people with PTSD. The course outline:

1. Essential Vocabulary and Task Overview
   1. Discussion of terms including service dog, therapy dog, emotional support animals and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
   2. Review important distinctions between service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support animals.
   3. Review ways service dogs are trained to help people with PTSD and the tasks these dogs perform.
2. Training an Anxiety Alert
   1. Step by step process using clicker training
   2. Alternative alerts
   3. Caveats and challenges
3. Training Nightmare Interruption
   1. Step by step process using clicker training
   2. Alternative interruption behaviors
   3. Caveats and challenges
   4. Response tasks
4. Training Making Space
   1. Controversial tasks
   2. Step by step process using clicker training via targeting and also luring
   3. Caveats and challenges
5. Training Deep Pressure Therapy
   1. Step by step process using several different clicker training strategies
   2. Caveats and challenges
   3. Awareness and mitigating dog’s stress
   4. Alternative options

The course includes video presentations which combine lecture and training demonstrations as well as written material and links to articles, research and relevant websites. Handouts of presentations and step-by-step training recipes for each task covered can be downloaded in the course for students to refer back. The last lesson includes a multiple choice quiz (needed for CEUs).

The course can be completed in about 4 hours, however students have access to it for 3 months.

No, this course is not a prerequisite for the SDC certification. However, some trainers may choose to enroll in this course before applying for the SDC certification in order to familiarize themselves with our educational programs and training approach.